Page 14 of A Secret Baby for Christmas
The thought of losing my best friend breaks my heart. I want Mr. Porter, but do I have to give up my best friend?
He kisses me on the top of the head, a reassuring kiss.
“I’ll talk to her.”
He has a lot of faith in his daughter. She’s going to freak out. I know she will. I want a few more days just to enjoy being back and to have a good Christmas.
“Don’t tell her yet. Let’s wait till after Christmas. She’s going to be upset, and she’s been through so much. Let’s let her have a good Christmas and then tell her.”
Mr. Porter frowns, but he nods. “If that’s what you want, baby, we’ll wait to tell her. But only till after Christmas. I want the world to know that you’re mine.”
He puts his arms around me, and I sink into them. But I can’t help the niggling feeling in my stomach.
He might think Allie will accept it easily, but he’s a man. He’s used to the world falling into place for him. I’m not so sure either of our families are ready to hear that I’m with Allie’s dad.
5
CHLOE
Iwake the next morning to Hugo’s cries and pull him into the bed with me. Propping a pillow behind my back, I lift my top and he latches. The relief for both of us calms me in the most unexpected ways. I had no idea motherhood would be like this. But the pride I take in feeding my child is immense.
It’s still dark outside, and the cabin is still. My mind drifts to last night under the Christmas tree with Mr. Porter. I still think of him as Mr. Porter, Allie’s dad, even though he’s told me to call him David.
It was easy to fall into his arms, and I didn’t realize how much I needed the release. Everything about last night makes my heart sing. He wants me, and he wants Hugo. It’s everything I hoped for.
It’s just Allie we need to convince.
I chew my bottom lip as I think about my best friend. She’ll flip when she finds out what I’ve been up to with her dad. We were inseparable as kids.
After the incident when Mr. Porter found me on the doorstep, I began staying over at the Porters almost every weekend up until I was about fourteen, when Mr. Porter was going on too many business trips and Allie moved back in with her mom.
Her mom wasn’t as welcoming as her ex-husband had been, and by then she was remarried to a slimy man who I got bad vibes from. It was only after catching up with Allie last night that I found out what he did to her mom.
It’s crazy how Allie and Hans reconnected, and I’m so glad it worked out for her. They’re sweet together, and I like him already.
It’s a few hours later, and I’ve got Hugo in the baby sling as me and Allie wander the streets of Hope.
“Oh, that color’s perfect,” she exclaims, staring at a blue scarf in a shop window. “It’s the exact same shade as his eyes.”
I don’t have to ask who she’s talking about. She’s barely stopped talking about Hans since we came out together. It’s the first time we’ve been alone, and she’s already given me the full unabridged version of how she got together Hans several times.
We go into the shop, and I can’t help smiling at Allie’s excitement. I’m glad she’s found love, and Hans seems like a decent guy. Although I’m reserving my judgment until I know him better to decide if he’s good enough for my best friend.
“How about you?” she asks as she looks through the stack of knitted products. “Anyone special to buy for?”
I try to hide my smile, because I’m not ready to tell her about last night with her dad. I want a few more fun days with my best friend before things change forever. Because I’m under no illusion that even if Allie talks to me again, it will ever be the same between us. If I’m with Mr. Porter, I’ll effectively become her stepmom.
I shudder at the thought, because it makes me feel old. I don’t want to be Allie’s stepmom. I want to be her best friend, to have girly nights together and eat cupcakes and have spa days.
“Just my family,” I lie.
“Oh, this would be perfect for Dad.” She picks up a silver hip flask with an intricate pattern carved around the edges. “I like to get him something nice since he doesn’t have anyone else to buy for him.”
Guilt stabs at my heart, and I shake it off.
“Why did your dad never re-marry?” I ask cautiously. I’ve always wondered. He would have been a catch for anyone.
Allie sighs. “I don’t know. He dated over the years.”
